The City of Cape Town has set a deadline of November 18 for political parties and independent candidates to remove their election posters and banners from street poles. This follows the local government elections held on November 4. According to Luthando Tyhalibongo, the City's spokesperson, parties that fail to meet the deadline will face removal costs of R123.48, excluding VAT, for every poster or banner removed by municipal teams.
The City had distributed its Rules for Posters and Swivel Banners During Voter Registration, General Election and By-election Processes, 2026 to all registered political parties before the elections. These rules require parties to remove election posters and swivel banners, including strings and plastic fasteners used to secure them to street poles. The removal requirements are part of the City's regulatory framework under the Outdoor Advertising and Signage by-law, 2023.
Schedule 11 of the by-law regulates posters displayed on municipal infrastructure and requires posters and their fastening ties to be removed by the specified date on the City's permit approval sticker. The City also issues election-specific rules for political campaign material during election periods. According to Tyhalibongo, posters not removed within the deadline will be removed by the City at the party's cost.
The City will monitor compliance with the deadline and encourages residents to report any contraventions or complaints relating to political party posters and swivel banners. Residents can report complaints in writing to the Deputy Municipal Electoral Officer, Catherine Overmeyer, at [email protected] . The municipality relies on public assistance to ensure parties adhere to the deadline.
The African National Congress (ANC) has already started removing its election posters using contractors and party members. Mvusi Mdala of the ANC said the party had hired a company to remove posters on its behalf, while members in some wards and branches were also taking responsibility for removal. The party aims to clear all its campaign material from street poles by Friday.
The November 18 deadline gives parties 14 days to clear their campaign material from public infrastructure. Parties that fail to comply risk additional costs as the municipality moves to remove outstanding campaign material. The City's rules and by-laws are in place to regulate the display of posters and banners during election periods.
The removal of election posters is part of the post-election process, and parties are expected to adhere to the regulations. The City's efforts to enforce the rules and by-laws aim to maintain public infrastructure and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.
Key points
- Parties that fail to remove election posters by November 18 will face removal costs of R123.48, excluding VAT.
